BEFORE UMASS: Played Centerfield for the Wreckers coached by Brian Ruether...captained the team his senior season and hit.396 with five home runs and 14 stolen bases... finished his career with a .372 BA while hitting eight home runs and stealing 35 bases...named first team All-Central F.C.I.A.C his junior and senior campaigns..also excelled in football where he helped Staples post back to back state titles his junior and senior year..named first team all-state as a wider receiver and defensive back.

PERSONAL: Born September 9, 1986 in New York, New York...son of Leonard and Joanne Samela...has two siblings Lesley (25), and Michael (14)...cousin, Brian Samela, played baseball at Umass from 1993-97.